William (Bill) Harper Nicks Sr. 1922-2014

NICKS, HARPER, BAIER

Posted By: j.n. (email)
Date: 9/11/2015 at 00:40:37

William (Bill) Harper Nicks Sr.
b. Nov18, 1922 d. Oct27, 2014

William (Bill) Harper Nicks Sr. passed away with his family at his side in Shawnee on October 27, 2014.

Bill was born on November 18, 1922 in to Elizabeth Harper and Ben Nicks, Sr. He was a member from a young age, of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shawnee, KS and attended both the grade school and high school.

He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Baier, on October 6, 1945 who preceded him in death on September 5, 2014. Together they raised 8 children in Shawnee.

Bill was a lifelong Shawnee resident and a 36 yr. employee of TWA Airlines. He was an avid sports fan, most especially following The Royals, Chiefs, NAIA Basketball, in addition to St. Joseph/Aquinas High School he followed all of his grandchildren's high school teams and college sports.

He was a decorated B-17 bombardier in WWII, receiving the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. He flew 26 missions in Europe, was shot down, spent 47 days in the hospital, returned to action and was preparing to be re-assigned to the Pacific when the war ended.

With the support of Barbara he was active in the Knights of Columbus, being a Past Grand Knight and Past District Deputy, the VFW, American Legion, Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Parish Council, St. Joseph School Board and youth sports.

Bill joins his wife Barbara, his parents, his sister Ellen, his daughter-in-law Becky and his great grandson Lucas in Heaven.

Pulbished in Kansas City Star on Oct 29, 2014
Burial: Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery
Shawnee, Johnson County, Kansas, USA